NC Courage release debut NWSL schedule

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By Neil Morris

Cary, N.C. — Wednesday, the North Carolina Courage released the schedule for their debut 2017 season in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

The season kicks off on April 15 with a trip to the Washington Spirit. The Courage’s home opener is the following Saturday, April 22 at WakeMed Soccer Park against the Portland Thorns. The Thorns feature three former North Carolina Tar Heels standouts: Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg and Allie Long. All three also feature with the U.S. Women’s National Team, along with Thorns teammate Lindsey Horan.

The Courage will play 12 home games this year, all at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Their overall 24-match schedule concludes at home on September 30 against the Orlando Pride. The Courage will play every NWSL opponent three times this year except the Thorns, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, which the Courage will face twice each. The NWSL playoffs will commence after the 2017 regular season concludes—complete playoff details will be announced at a later date.

"Schedule release is always full of expectation and hope,” said NC Courage manager Paul Riley in a statement. “There are so many quality teams in the league, and every game is a battle. Fans love the competitive element of the league, and I'm sure throughout the country they are buzzing with anticipation to get the 2017 season rolling."

The Courage and the North Carolina FC (formerly the Carolina RailHawks) of the North American Soccer League (NASL), both owned by Steve Malik, will play at home on the same weekend twice this year: June 3 and 4, and September 30 and October 1.